Ipswich recorded their first home Premier League win of the season as they produced a huge shock to beat Chelsea 2-0.
Liam Delap was the hero, scoring the first from the penalty spot and assisting Omari Hutchinson, who was signed from Chelsea in the summer, for the second goal.
Both of the scorers were not born when Ipswich last won at home in the Premier League – back in 2002, 8,286 days ago.
Chelsea flattered to deceive, especially when falling 2-0 behind, as they suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time under Enzo Maresca and are now 10 points behind league leaders Liverpool, who also have a game in hand.
Cole Palmer hit the woodwork with a free-kick from 22 yards and Christopher Nkunku’s follow-up was gratefully claimed by goalkeeper Christian Walton, who was a calming influence replacing the dropped Arijanet Muric.
Walton had been recalled for only his second league appearance this season and had to pick the ball out of his net after 24 minutes before a lengthy VAR check disallowed Felix’s effort.
It was clear from that moment this was Ipswich’s night.
And one the locals will remember for a long time with Delap’s barnstorming display completely overwhelming the Chelsea defence.
Delap had been tipped for an England debut by former Manchester City Under-23s boss Enzo Maresca ahead of this fixture and proceeded to haunt his ex-boss during a historic occasion at a buoyant Portman Road.
Analysis: Chelsea get well and truly Delaped!
Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap celebrates his goal
Sky Sports’ Lewis Jones:
It takes something special to get a 10/10 in the Sky Sports Player Ratings.
Well, Delap is something special.
There were fears pre-match that kick-off might be delayed due to a road closure because of the army examining a possible unexploded shell close to the ground. That device was found to be safe – but Delap was about to ignite.
Delap’s barnstorming display lit up Portman Road like a New Year’s Eve fireworks display. He was simply unplayable.
A one-man wrecking ball, crashing his way through the Chelsea defence, winning his own penalty that he of course dispatched before setting up Omari Hutchinson to really add extra sting to the result for the Chelsea fans. He is one of their own who they let go in the summer.
When Ipswich were out on their feet defending their box under huge pressure from Chelsea, Delap’s ability to charge with the ball up the pitch was priceless. Kieran McKenna afforded him the standing ovation his performance deserved by taking him off in stoppage time. A legend is truly born. And Ipswich now have real survival hopes with a player of this potential in their ranks.
Maresca: Chelsea far off from competing
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca said: “We expected this kind of moment during the season because we know that this kind of moment belongs to the football. It is almost impossible to have a season where you do not have a moment like now for us.
“But in the same time, not one of us in this room expected us to be where we are now. This means and shows that we are in the right direction, as I’ve said many times, but also shows that we are far from competing and consistency and to be there with the best teams in England.
“Again, I think we have to be satisfied where we are but at the same time, we have to know we need to do many things better.”
McKenna: A special night
Kieran McKenna led Ipswich to a famous win
Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna said: “It’s a special night for the club for the players and fans. First home win in the Premier League at Portman Road for 22 years and to do it against Chelsea was fantastic.
“Most of the supporters who have been here for 22 years, every moment here is a landmark for them. Winning the home game is another special little landmark. But I think the time of year, the night game, the opponent make this a special night and I want everyone to enjoy it a lot.
“It was everything we needed to be. Started well, pressed well on the front foot had some nice moments on the ball. Cashed in on the good start with the goal and after that we defended well, top intensity and organisation. Dealt with the pressure well and you have to make good saves and have moments go your way and keep the threat going the other way and we had that throughout. We had some really good breakaways, shots consistently through the game. At 2-0 we managed the game really well.
“Incredible year. Everyone involved with Ipswich can probably enjoy a glass of sparkly stuff tomorrow night and think about some of the games we’ve had and moments over the last couple of years. I don’t want to point backwards too much but I think six of the starting line-up today were in our League One team so it’s the journey this group has been on. When you have moments like this you have a little pause and enjoy it but then move on to the next one.”
